On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha witnessed a stormy session over the pressing issues facing farmers. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala had filed a notice under Rule 267 requesting a discussion on the legal assurance of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. However, the chairman did not permit this discussion, leading to opposition members chanting slogans and moving into the well of the House. This provoked an angry response from Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Accusing the opposition of shedding 'crocodile tears', Chairman Dhankhar remarked that dramatics couldn’t resolve farmers' issues. He critiqued, "You do not truly want a resolution. Farmers are your last priority."
Dhankhar pointed out the stagnation of parliamentary business due to disruptions, emphasizing that out of numerous notices filed, not a single one directly addressed the farmers' plight. He cautioned members against insincere displays of concern and continued with the House proceedings.
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Congress MP Pramod Tiwari highlighted the plight of farmers, lamenting the broken promises of minimum support prices amidst allegations of harsh government actions. Tiwari urged the government to fulfill its commitments to the farmers. This triggered an agitated response from Chairman Dhankhar towards Jairam Ramesh's comments, asserting, "Jairamji, don't provoke me to speak out." Addressing Tiwari, Dhankhar emphasized decorum and declared his intent to avoid interrupting debates. He then urged Aam Aadmi Party's Punjab MP Ashok Mittal to discuss banking matters. Meanwhile, opposition members continued their protest with slogans about the farmers' issues and walked out of the session.
